The Abdomen

Examination of the abdomen is quick and painless and yields a great deal of information. Since only obvious deformities in the size or shape of the abdomen can be detected by observation, the physician's methods of palpation, auscultation, and percussion become relatively more important for the abdominal examination. Examination of the digestive (or gastrointestinal) system also includes an examination of the kidneys as well as the urinary and circulatory systems. In women, this procedure includes an examination of the reproductive system.